Syed Basar Shueb

Syed Basar Shueb is an accomplished senior executive with over two decades of diverse cross-sector experience in manufacturing, construction, financial services, and investments. Since assuming the CEO role at International Holding Company (IHC) in July 2019, Shueb has been the driving force behind IHC's meteoric rise, guiding it from a diversified local company to one of the world's largest and fastest-growing investment conglomerates. His dynamic leadership has driven IHC's innovation, operational synergies, and improved cost optimization. Shueb's vision is rooted in aggressive growth, strategic diversification, and leveraging innovation to create sustainable value, with IHC aiming to double assets to $218bn by 2030.

Shueb holds a degree in computer engineering from Near East University in Cyprus and started his career as a network engineer for Royal Group. Before joining IHC, Syed Basar served as Group CEO of PAL Group of Companies since 2000, where he was instrumental in nurturing emerging businesses to rapid growth. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in establishing one of the UAE's largest fish and integrated shrimp farms, developing five major housing developments, launching a district cooling company, and spearheading a robotics division.

Syed Basar holds leadership positions on several other high-profile companies, including Reem Finance PJSC, Chimera Investments, and Keyhole TIG (K-TIG) Limited, and is one of the key players in the UAE's utilities services sector through PAL District Cooling. His leadership has been recognized by Forbes Middle East, ranking him 5th among the Top 100 CEOs of 2024 and 3rd among the Sustainability Leaders 2024 for Investment & Holding companies. Shueb is known for his decisive and pragmatic leadership, his ability to inspire cohesive business units, and his skill in navigating complex, high-risk scenarios.

Career History

• CEO, Managing Director, and Board Member of International Holding Company (IHC) – July 2019 to present
• Group CEO of PAL Group of Companies – since 2000
• Chairman of Multiply Group and Chimera Investments LLC
• Network Engineer, Royal Group – early career

What Syed Basar Shueb could bring to International Holding Company: Based on his demonstrated track record, Shueb brings proven expertise in transforming and scaling diversified holding companies across multiple sectors. His success at PAL Group—building infrastructure assets spanning district cooling, aquaculture, and real estate—combined with his strategic vision at IHC (where he has driven exponential growth and expanded the company's global footprint across the Middle East, Europe, and North America) positions him to drive continued operational synergy, shareholder value creation, and disciplined portfolio expansion. His recognition by Forbes as a top sustainability leader and his deep relationships across UAE government and business circles further enhance IHC's competitive positioning in strategic acquisitions and emerging market opportunities.